Firegirl

Paperback | June 1, 2007

"This novel may be brief, but it leaves a big impact."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Tom's a normal seventh-grader, negotiating a slightly prickly stage in his long friendship with Jeff...The arrival of new girl Jessica Feeney, however, changes everything; Jessica, who is attending a local hospital for treatment, has been badly burned by a fire, and her terrible disfigurement shocks the class into confusion. This isn't the usual book about adjustment to difference; instead, Abbott brilliantly explores the kids' struggle to manage the intrusion of abnormality in their lives...this is a thoughtful exploration of a brief interlude's lasting impact." -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This novel may be brief, but it leaves a big impact."-Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Tom's a normal seventh-grader, negotiating a slightly prickly stage in his long friendship with Jeff...The arrival of new girl Jessica Feeney, however, changes everything; Jessica, who is attending a local hospital for treatment, has been badly b...

Tony Abbott is the author of over 35 books for young readers, including the extremely popular Secrets of the Droon series, which has sold over 4.5 million books to date. He has worked in a bookstore and libraries, and currently lives in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.

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Reviews

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Steven_R._McEvoy from
Brought me to tearsThis book was incredible. It literally brought me to tears. It has been on my mind and in my thoughts constantly since I finished reading it a week ago. This story is a masterpiece. Tony Abbot has written a story that will touch the heart of every reader; it will likely challenge the thinking and actions of most readers also. The writing is incredible and the characters amazing. The story takes place over a few weeks. A few weeks into the school year, a new girl joins the class. She has moved to town for medical treatments after she had been in a fire. Tom is a bit of an outsider in class; he likes to watch and observe but does not have the confidence to step forward. He is a little over weight and has a love for cars and comics. He ends up sitting beside the new girl because at St. Catherine's they sit alphabetically. The new girl is Jessica Feeney and in a few weeks she will turn Tom's world upside down and challenge what he values. This story will take the reader into the experience of compassion, understanding and grace. It will help us look at how others see and experience things, and will leave a lasting impression on the reader. This was one of the best books I have read in years and I will recommend it to anyone who will listen!